Kevin Frisch: Yes we can’ vs. 'Republican’ts'

Monday

Mar 29, 2010 at 12:01 AMMar 29, 2010 at 8:58 AM

Here’s the thing about obstructionism: It has to be applied to something coming at you. Once something has passed you by, you can no longer obstruct it.

It seems as if Republican lawmakers have become so insular — so used to hearing their own version of world events refracted back at them from conservative news outlets — that they’ve completely divorced themselves from the real world.

Why else would they continue to rail against health care reform when the legislation has been debated, passed in both houses, amended, passed again and signed by the president? Other than as a cynical fundraising tactic, I mean?

I get that the party has decided to brand itself as obstructionist; the party of “no”; Republican’ts. But here’s the thing about obstructionism: It has to be applied to something coming at you. Once something has passed you by, you can no longer obstruct it.

But Republicans appear to be trying. It’s a strange sight. Seldom does someone who has been run over grab the car’s rear bumper and hang on in a vain, after-the-fact attempt to stop the momentum. But the GOP just can’t let this one G-O.

“We need to repeal Obamacare and replace it with policy that will create more access, create jobs, which will lower the cost of health care and not be a government take over of the health care system,” said Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga.

“Repeal and replace” is the current Republican motto. Replace with what? They’re not very specific on this point. Rep. Broun says it will be “policy” that will create more access, jobs and lower costs. That’s kind of the point of the law that’s now in place.

Maybe I’m wrong, maybe I’m naïve, maybe it was that third Gibson (for Lent, I gave up martinis — and hope), but I just don’t see the political upside of continuing to campaign against health care reform. It’s like after the Yankees won the fourth and deciding game of the World Series last fall, the Phillies suited up the next day and headed out to the field anyway. Guys, the game is over.

Besides, what’s the campaign slogan going to be? “We’re the Party that Couldn’t Even Get in the Way”? “Repent! Repeal! Republicans!”? “You Can’t Spell Minority Without N-O”?

Barack Obama had “Yes We Can.” Republicans are going to run on “Oh No You D’int.”

I’ll go one step further: The tide of resentment that Republicans think they’re going to ride to huge congressional victories this fall might prove to have a substantial undertow that limits their gains. Americans don’t want angry. They don’t want “You lie” or “Baby killer” or John Boehner heatedly lecturing from the House well. (And these are examples from inside the halls of Congress.)

It’s not just me who thinks the GOP should have played more than just defense on health care. David Frum, former speechwriter for president George W. Bush, wondered at the strategy.

“Barack Obama badly wanted Republican votes for his plan,” Frum wrote in an online essay posted after the House vote. “Could we have leveraged his desire to align the plan more closely with conservative views?”

“Too late now,” he concludes.

He was promptly sacked by the conservative think tank he worked for.

Republicans can continue to run on a negative, turn-back-the-clock, fire-up-the-agitators platform, but it’s never a good sign when your biggest target roots you on.

“They’re actually going to run on a platform of repeal in November,” Obama said. “Well, I say go for it.”